Termites might be small — about 1/8 of an inch, to an inch long at best — and yet it can cause structural damage to any building, and pose safety risks to its occupants. It can destroy wood quickly, and severe infestations can substantially damage homes in less than six months.
Like termites that may seem harmless at first, gossiping can seem like a simple way to connect to others, yet it can result in devastating damage not just to the persons involved but even to communities. It tarnishes reputations, destroys friendships, and even hurts people enough to displace them.
The Apostle Paul has warned early believers against engaging in rumor mongering in their church communities. In his letter to the Ephesians he said that people should not talk negatively about others, and instead focus on conversations that are meant to uplift one another.
“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” Ephesians 4:29
In our walk in life, we may have met at least one rumor monger, who just enjoys talking about other people’s lives. Gossiping could actually just be her pastime. Or, it could be her way of making herself feel better than others, it could also possibly be her way to connect to other people and enlarge her social circle. But whatever reason this person may have, gossiping can never be justified.
In fact, according to the Book of Proverbs, spreading lies and slandering others are among the things that God abhors:
“There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.” Proverbs 6:16-19
In the above Bible passage, rumor mongering is a by-product of a “lying tongue,” bearing false witness, and sowing discord among brothers. And so, Jesus’ brother James repeatedly mentioned in his letter to the early christian churches that failure to control oneself in talking badly reflects on the religiosity and faith of that person.
“If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless.” James 1:26
And like termites that wreak havoc to a home, the Apostle James likened a person’s tongue to fire that can cause massive destruction.
“And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell.” James 3:6
As followers of Jesus, we must always be guided by our Savior’s example and teachings when dealing with others. We must always choose to do the loving thing to our fellow men.
We must not make envy or covetousness get the better of us, and cause us to invent lies about others. We should not rejoice over other people’s misfortune or wrong choices, by discussing their life updates to fellow members of the community. Let us refrain from disguising our insecurities with supposed concern for others, by telling another person about a sad development concerning a common friend or acquaintance. If we are indeed concerned about a person, we should not waste time babbling about him, and instead take the time to personally show him that we care about what is happening to him.
“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:31-32
If we are on the receiving end of gossip such as when a rumor monger tells us juicy details about another person who is not present to defend himself, then we should be faithful enough to resist the temptation to listen to the rumors, let alone spread them. Remember, we can always leave a conversation politely, ignore an unhealthy group chat, or respectfully tell the rumor monger that we do not want to take part in such a conversation. By standing up against such a person, we get to follow our calling as followers of Jesus to love others.
“Let the lying lips be mute, which speak insolently against the righteous in pride and contempt” Psalm 31:18
Lastly, if we find ourselves as the subject of malicious intrigues, then we can just lift up our pain to our Heavenly Father who sees the truth, and knows our heart. When we are confident that we have done nothing wrong, or have already confessed and repented on whatever we are being gossiped about then we can keep our peace, and live life just the way Jesus wants us to.
“Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain? The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart; whose tongue utters no slander, who does no wrong to a neighbor, and casts no slur on others;” Psalm 15:1-3
Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to
ponder on Ephesians 4:17-31 and Psalm 15 to dig deeper on today’s topic.
Reflection Question: Have you ever engaged in gossip or have been subjected to it? How have you felt about it? How can your relationship with the Lord redefine gossiping ?Â
Conversation with the Lord: Heavenly Father, thank you for knowing everything, such that those that are blameless and forgiven can rest in the assurance that they are loved by you no matter the actions of those around them. Forgive us for the times we may have been insensitive about others by listening and participating in unwholesome talk. Give us the confidence to say no to these kinds of discussions, and instead keep on abiding in your love, and live a quiet life of worship. Amen. Â Â
“A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who breathes out lies will perish.” Proverbs 19:9
